County board's Sisk running for mayor of Monroe to get city 'back on the right track'

The vice chairman of the Monroe County Board of Commissioners is running for mayor of Monroe.

"I think right now this ship needs righting," said the 60-year-old William Sisk. "They need to change their priorities and get back to working for the people."

Specifically, Mr. Sisk — who has been chairman or vice chairman of the county board for more than half of his 13-year tenure on the panel — said the city's recent moves to realign the police and fire departments and do away with the civil service commission have focused the government's energies in the wrong direction.

"There are things going on just under the radar," he said. "I'm just not happy with it. There's a lot of unrest at city hall. I'm not pleased with how the city looks. City residents pay extra taxes for police and fire protection and they're not getting what they've paid for."

Mr. Sisk said that Mayor Robert E. Clark and his administration made it a priority to unseat the Civil Service Commission and combine the two departments despite objections from city voters.

"We are spending way too much time fighting these sorts of personal battles," Mr. Sisk said, adding that he's done some investigating into the cost of these actions. "The taxpayers are paying for both sides of this fight. The Civil Service Commission members, some of them have been on there 20 years, and they're doing an excellent job."

He said legal fees for these cases amount to an exorbitant amount of money.

As the economy appears to be slowing down again and property tax revenues continue to dwindle, governments are faced with tough decisions, Mr. Sisk said, acknowledging his work with the county board to trim millions of dollars in county spending.

"Governments, during these times, should be looking at ways to work together. They certainly shouldn't be fighting each other in court. I'm convinced that (the current administration) is on the wrong track. I'd like the chance to get the city back on the right track," he said. "I think there are opportunities for compromise that haven't even been explored."

Mr. Sisk says he has no agenda other than to settle things down at city hall and get the focus back on services for residents and property owners.

"Over the years I've always wanted to run for mayor," he said. "This is strictly on principle. I lose money in this equation if I'm elected. But I think what they did was wrong."

Mr. Sisk said he's been approached by citizens throughout the city — from both sides of the political aisle — and he says the time is right to step away from his post as vice chairman of the county board, where he's currently in charge of the finance committee.

"I feel confident with the current board," he said. "It's a bright group. They don't seem to have any hidden agendas. I'm comfortable leaving at this point."

If Mr. Sisk's attempt at the city office is unsuccessful Nov. 8, he will remain on the county board.

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